Custom Software Development

The software developers at Diablo Analytical have been creating custom chemical measurement applications for over two decades. We are Analytical Chemists with extensive programming experience. This experience means that we understand both the special requirements of analytical applications and the software tools necessary to address those requirements. We combine Agilent ChemStation and other data system macros with Visual Basic (or VBA) applications to solve specific data processing and data acquisition problems.

Languages and Application Experience

Languages and Application Experience

Programming Languages

Microsoft Visual Basic (VB6 & .NET)

Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (Excel VBA)

Data System Macro Languages
Agilent Technologies Data Systems

MSD ChemStation and MassHunter GC/MS

GC/LC ChemStation

EZChrom Automation Applications

Application Support Packages

Application-Specific Windows Help Files

Professional Installation Programs

Software Solution Examples

Software Solution Examples

The following "highlights" describe briefly a few of the software projects that we have completed,

Simplified User Interface for Agilent GC and LC ChemStations

One-button control of an Agilent GC or LC ChemStation Sequence. The Simplified User Interface (SUI) greatly simplifies the operation of the ChemStation. We have developed custom versions of the SUI software to address specific customer requirements.

Multi-position Valve Control Software

Diablo's MPValve software can be used to automate one or more VICI (Valco) multi-position and switching valves for applications like stream and column selection. MPValve has been used to add multi-position valve control to a number of different chromatographic data systems.

Standard Compound Chromatogram Database

Diablo developed a set of ChemStation macros that allow "standard" chromatograms to be retrieved and compared automatically to a sample chromatogram in a post run report. This automated database saved the client a significant amount of time over the previous manual comparison procedure they had been using.

Custom Simulated Distillation Applications

Diablo developed a set of custom Simulated Distillation applications to perform D2887 and D3710 analyses. These SimDis applications included extensive QA/QC evaluations of data quality and custom report formats that were specified by the client.

Gas System Monitor

When analyzing toxic or pyrophoric specialty gases, it is critical that the gas sampling system be operating properly before performing an analysis. Diablo wrote a custom application that monitored several sampling system pressure and flow sensors, and would prevent the Agilent ChemStation from starting an analysis if the sampling system wasn't ready.

Sequence Summary and Data Transfer to Microsoft Excel

Diablo has written several different sequence summary macros for the Agilent ChemStation. These macros typically create comma-delimited text files containing a client-specified summary of the results for all the runs in a sequence. These macros have also been configured to "poke" sequence summary results into Microsoft Excel.

Automated Data Transfer to LIMS

Diablo has written several applications that automate the transfer of analytical results into Laboratory Information Managements Systems (LIMS). Our clients often use custom LIMS systems that require custom data transfer approaches.

MS Sensor Process Analysis Software

Diablo Analytical originally developed the MS Sensor software to enable the Agilent Technologies 5973 MSD to be used for real-time process analysis. Agilent Technologies has now licensed the MS Sensor software for its 5000A Real-Time Gas Analyzer. The MS Sensor software can also acquire data from a number of other instruments and sensors. Diablo can also develop custom instrument drivers to collect data from other instruments and sensors. Please refer to the MS Sensor web page for detailed information about this software product.

BTU Database

Diablo developed a custom BTU database application that is designed to process the results of Agilent MicroGC natural gas analyses in the field. The application performs extensive QA/QC tests that give the operator immediate feedback on sample and data quality. Upon return from the field, the application allows results to be uploaded easily to a mainframe database.

Quotation and Purchasing Information

Quotation and Purchasing Information

Our custom software projects are almost always performed on a fixed-cost project basis. We will discuss your software requirements in detail, and then submit a proposal that will describe exactly what we will and will not deliver, and what is required of you as Client. We pride ourselves in delivering our projects on time and on budget. For more information on our software development capabilities, or to discuss your specific application requirements, please contact Diablo Analytical.